Maico Akiba is fond of sculpting, and she also draws and illustrates children’s books.

Maico Akiba is fond of sculpting, and she also draws and illustrates children’s books. Her pieces often reflect the passing of time with rusty textures and growing moss. Akiba’s ‘Sekai’ series features animals from around the globe carrying a bit of civilization on their backs.

Gorillas, tortoises, polar bears and even an armadillo transport tiny forests, houses and people. The figures are open to interpretation, although they could represent migrating animals looking for a better life while having to put up with human ‘progress’ on their backs. Akiba’s Sekai sculptures are also available in even tinier versions designed to be used as cell phone straps.